Commander Wheeler’s Year in Review: Your Voices are Shaping Our Future

By Walter F. Wheeler, 33°

Sovereign Grand Commander, Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction

My Brothers and Friends,

Over the past year, I have had the privilege of meeting with Brethren throughout the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction as part of our Listening Tour. Whether you are a long-time Scottish Rite Mason, a Master Mason curious about expanding your Masonic journey, or someone simply exploring what Scottish Rite offers, your questions and conversations have been invaluable.

I carried your words with me—on long drives, in quiet moments of reflection, and during every discussion about who we are and who we aspire to be. You spoke openly about your hopes, your concerns, and your vision for a meaningful Masonic experience. And you reminded me of something timeless and essential: our fraternity grows stronger when we listen to one another.

Today, I am pleased to share how your voices are already shaping tangible improvements across our 15-state jurisdiction and beyond.

Thursday Night at the Rite: Now More Flexible and Accessible

For most Masons—those already in Scottish Rite and those considering joining—flexibility matters. One of the most consistent pieces of feedback we heard was the desire for more accessible ways to experience our degrees.

We listened.

Season Seven of Thursday Night at the Rite will be available on demand from January 15 through April 15, 2026. This expansion allows you to watch degrees when it works for you, whether you have Lodge meetings on Thursdays, travel frequently, or simply want the opportunity to revisit lessons at your own pace.

As a gesture of appreciation, we also made Season Six available on demand from December 22 through January 2. We hope it offers inspiration and light to our members this holiday season.

Masters of the Rite (MOTR): Deepening Understanding and Connection

Education is one of the pillars of the Scottish Rite. Many Brothers expressed a desire for richer learning opportunities that add context, symbolism, and meaning to the degree experience, as well as an easier way to access those resources.

Once again, we heard you.

Masters of the Rite (MOTR), our live, interactive educational series, returns on January 22, led by Illustrious Brother William “Sandy” Karstens. These sessions invite Scottish Rite, NMJ Brothers to explore the deeper teachings of our Craft and to connect with members from across the jurisdiction.

We also launched a more intuitive platform that allows you to access MOTR directly through your Member Center account. Joining the conversation is now easier than ever.

Expanding Education and Inspiration Through Our Blog

Many of you shared how much you value the Scottish Rite, NMJ blog as an accessible source of history, insight, and personal development. Whether you are a seasoned member or someone just beginning to explore Freemasonry, the blog provides meaningful windows into our symbolism, traditions, and values.

We are committed to growing this resource.

Expect more stories, more leadership perspectives, and more opportunities to learn and reflect.

What Comes Next

The updates above represent only the beginning. We are now developing short-, mid-, and long-term strategies grounded directly in what you shared with us. As these strategies take shape, we will continue to communicate openly, follow through on our commitments, and ensure your voice remains central to our direction.

The Listening Tour reaffirmed a simple truth: Our future is strongest when we collaborate and shape it together.

To those who participated: thank you for your honesty, insight, and passion. 

To Master Masons and prospective members: thank you for your curiosity and your interest in who we are.

To everyone reading: thank you for being part of the journey. The work continues, and your voice is guiding our future.

Journey On!